For your next 4x4 adventure, experience the real Pyrénées.... drive yourself through one of the last great wilderness regions in Europe in your own 4x4 on a Landtreks Adventure Tour. World class trail driving on your doorstep!
THE 2012 PYRENEAN EXPLORER TOUR DATES
Landtreks tours are run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. We live and work here permanently in the Pyrenees. Being here full time allows us to respond quickly to changes in trail conditions and improve our routes regularly, giving you the best of the best trails to explore. The amount of trail driving is high, certainly if there is a trail to be driven, we drive it! Our local knowledge makes our tours that bit special!
Our tours are for anyone with a passion for 4x4 travel and adventure and as much fun for the family as an individual enthusiast. With basic 4x4 driving skills and commonsense the tours are suitable and enjoyable for all types of 4x4's and levels of driving experience. The trails can be varied and although you will encounter many different types of terrain are in the main solid based. Each day we will drive along mile after mile of un-surfaced ancient and little known trails through the spectacular mountains and forests of the Pyrénées, some maze like trails can take all day to drive and are easy to get lost on, down to little trail gems that even locals rarely know about....
Without doubt the trails we choose for our tours are not only the best trails in the Pyrénées but the best we have seen in Europe!
Landtreks Pyrenean Explorers
Pyrenean Explorer Tours... see our photo gallery below
When to come ?
The Pyrenees are magnificent in all seasons; however we have noticed that different guests have varying likes and dislikes; some like it hot others don't, some like a touch of mud and snow others like the trails drier and easier.
Mountain weather can be notoriously fickle, and the Pyrénées is no exception. In one day we have seen -2oC and +30oC as the day warms up and we descend into a valley. However, on average, the Pyrenean range enjoys 300 plus days of glorious sunshine...phew!!
So, to try to help you decide on the season that best suits you, here are a few pointers:
SPRING
If you like a touch of mud and perhaps some remaining snow on the peaks, together with rivers at their highest yearly levels (though usually driveable) then this is the time to come. Daily temperatures are generally warm, but not too hot and the trails, campsites, hotels etc. are usually quiet.
SUMMER
Summers here are of the hot and dry variety and the days are long. Trail conditions at their easiest and river levels low. Many of the tours at this time of year are favoured by families, especially during the August holidays. Accommodation is at its busiest.
AUTUMN
The days are still warm and pleasant and it is cooler to sleep at night; in fact the locals favour September and October calling them the best months of the year. The trails are quiet and by late autumn the fall colours are absolutely amazing.
THE 12 DAY P/E COAST 2 COAST TOUR
TRAVERSE THE PYRENEES
PYRENEAN EXPLORER "COAST 2 COAST" TAG ALONG TOUR
Straddling the border of France and Spain at around 440km in length, tower the magnificent Pyrenean Mountain range, which at its highest stands at over 3,000m tall. It is one of the remotest regions in Europe, a region most never truly see, let alone traverse!
Our Pyrenean Explorer Coast 2 Coast Tag Along Tour is a true crossing of the magnificent Pyrenees, starting right from the Atlantic Ocean and finishing at the warm blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It surely must rank as one of if not the top 4x4 driving adventures in Europe.
We start our traverse right at the coast of the Pyrenees Atlantiques, from where we head due east through the undulating hills of the Basque region into the central and high Pyrenees where we will visit Andorra via ancient smugglers routes. From Andorra we will head into remoter regions of the Spanish Pyrenees, eventually winding our way to the Pyrenees Orientales and the Mediterranean Coast.
This is a 12 day camping based 4x4 expedition, driving the trails of and exploring the Pyrenean countries of France, Andorra and Spain; three different countries with several different languages and differing cultures... quite an adventure!!
THE 7 DAY PYRENEAN EXPLORER TOURS
If you want adventure, driving remote trails all amongst magnificent scenery then our range of Pyrenean Explorer Tours are for you!
7 Day "Pyrenean Explorer 3 Frontiers" Tour
This tour takes in 3 countries in 7 days of adventure 4x4 travel amongst the high peaks and ancient smuggler's routes of the Pyrenees...
The "Pyrenean Explorer 3 Frontiers" Tag Along Tour is a great way to see and experience the real Pyrénées... it's a 7 day 4x4 expedition exploring right into the heart of the French, Andorran and Spanish Pyrénées along little known ancient smuggler's routes, mountain trails and passes.
The trails we have chosen for this tour are not only the best trails in the Pyrénées but the best we have seen in Europe! They wind their way through dramatic and diverse landscapes and it's still pretty wild in places! Each day has a character all of its own, both in terrain and views... drive to 8,000ft summits, through wild forests, hidden valleys and remote picturesque villages, cross mountain streams and rivers and drink from natural springs...
This tour is all about "Discovering the Pyrénées"; it's relaxed, enjoyable and as suitable for families as it is for the individual 4x4 enthusiast... what other unspoilt wild place is so close to the UK and still accessible by 4x4?
Our "Pyrenean Explorer 3 Frontiers" tour starts in Ariège, France from where we wind our way across the Spanish border then criss cross in and out of Andorra and Spain finally finishing in Northern Spain.
The tour includes 2 rest days when you can either just relax or go sightseeing by yourselves. One rest day is in the Principality of Andorra where you can go duty free shopping should you wish and the other is in Spain where there are numerous outdoor activities you can do from the local town including white water rafting, canoeing, canyoning, horse riding etc or you can simply unwind in town at one of the many pavement cafe bars and restaurants or visit the local craft shops.
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7 Day "Pyrenean Explorer East" Tour
Possibly a little more challenging at times and still offering spectacular mountain views, which change as the trails descend to the warm blue water of the Mediterranean Sea...
The "Pyrenean Explorer East" Tag Along Tour starts right in the heart of the Pyrénées range. The winding route takes us into Northern Spain along mountain trails and through forests of oak, vineyards and olive groves, passing remote villages and accompanied along the way by Mediterranean perfumes and the singing of cicadas. Heading eastward the tour finishes in France, overlooking the welcoming warm blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The tour includes 2 rest days when you can either just relax or go sightseeing by yourselves. On rest days there is always plenty to do... from visiting extinct volcanoes, to wandering around the narrow winding streets of the local medieval towns, visiting the Dali museum or the Gaudi Gardens, or for the more energetic, cycling or walking.
Finishing at the Mediterranean Coast, this tour is perfect for those wishing to stay and explore the picturesque local fishing villages, rocky coves and sandy beaches the area is renowned for.
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7 Day Pyrenean Explorer Mountain & Med
On this tour see the two faces of North Eastern Spain. It may not be in the high peaks of the Pyrénées, but with palm trees, cork forests and the blue Mediterranean waters close at hand it has a different flavour to our other 7 day tours...
The "Pyrenean Explorer Mountain & Med" Tag Along Tour gives you the opportunity to explore the coast and mountains of North Eastern Spain. The tour starts near to the picturesque coastal village of Collioure, in the Pyrenees-Orientales region of France. From here we head into the mountains and then down along the cliffs through fishing villages to the Spanish coastline. The tour stays close to the Mediterranean coast for the fist few days, traversing easily driven trails, then crosses the plains climbing through cork forests along sandy trails, with glimpses back to the Med, before heading inland up into the mountains proper along more testing trails and into more remote regions.
This is a 7 day tour which includes 2 rest days; the first rest day being on the Mediterranean coast but also only a short drive away from a characterful medieval town and on the second rest day we are up in the mountains staying at a quiet campsite, yet only 35km from the bustling Mediterranean coast and an hours drive into Barcelona with its extraordinary cathedral, fabulous Gaudi architecture, famous fountains and Las Ramblas with its colourful flower stalls and street cafes.
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7 Day "Pyrenean Explorer Peaks & Passes "
This tour takes in the magnificent high trails in one region of the Spanish Pyrenees... but what a region it is...
and being based at one campsite does make for a more relaxed tour with no breaking camp each day.
The "Pyrenean Explorer Peaks & Passes " Tag Along Tour is set in the heart of the mountainous Spanish Pyrénées.
The trails we drive on this tour are as stunning as they are diverse, each day we range out into different areas and trails in the region.- taking in high mountain trails with open views, river crossings, natural forests, ancient villages and narrow winding gorges.
For this tour we are based at one campsite and with no breaking camp each day, it is a more relaxed tour. The campsite has a scenic riverside location where we will set up camp along the river bank and is within very easy walking range of a small town with all amenities including restaurants, cafe-bars, shops, supermarkets etc.
This is a 7 day tour which includes 2 rest days; on rest days it is possible to go rafting, canoeing or maybe horse riding or visit the duty free Principality of Andorra which is within easy driving distance.
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ACCOMMODATION
CAMPING
We stay at official campsites with the benefit of all the usual facilities; some have restaurants and swimming pools and some offer activities such as rafting, canoeing, carting and horse riding, ideal on your 2 "rest" days and where possible they are close to where the trails finish, so we have minimal driving at the end of the day.
All our Tag Along tours are camping based, however some nights there will be the opportunity for those who prefer it to stay in local (to the campsites) cabins, mobile homes, apartments, hotels and B&B's. So now even if you like camping you can have a change for a day or two.
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This is what a few of our previous guests said about our Pyrenean Explorer tours...
"had the best holiday ever, we haven't stopped talking about it since we got back the views were breath taking and the places we went were brilliant"
"THE WEEKS TREK WHICH ALL OF US AGREED, IT WAS MOST CERTAINLY AN UNBELIVEABLE EXPERIENCE, ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT"
"we both really enjoyed ourselves and have both commented on the work that you have both put into organising these trips"
"Thanks so much for last week. The trip was better than I expected and the scenery spectacular, I'll definitely be back whatever happens"
... and you can read more from our guests on our Pyrenees page.
THE 1-4 DAY PYRENEAN EXPLORER FRANCE TOURS
There are no set dates for the 1-4 day Pyrenean Explorer France Tours, which we can organise between March and November and run in between our 12 & 7 day tours.
So contact us for availability with the dates that you would like to do one of the following tours.
1 & 2 Day Ariege & Aude Tag Along Tours
For our 1 and 2 day tours we have several easily negotiated routes available starting and finishing near to our base in the Lavelanet / Foix area of Ariège in the Midi-Pyrénées.
On these 1 and 2 day Tag Along Tours we take in the scenic forest and mountain trails in the Pyrenean regions of Ariège and Aude passing through picturesque and historical villages en route. The These Tag Along Tours are ideal if you are visiting the area on holiday and just fancy a day or two exploring in your own 4x4 on the trails. For these tours, ideally book before you arrive, or if you are already here telephone us for availability.
We run these tours from March to November and as for all our France only tours you tell us the dates that you would like to go. You can come along as a single vehicle or bring a group of up to 5 vehicles.
Book early is always our advice.
3 Day Ariege & Aude Tag Along Tour
On this 3 day tour we travel along easily negotiated valley, forest and mountain trails in the Ariège and Aude regions of the Midi and Eastern Pyrénées. The trails we drive are diverse - from mountain routes climbing to over 6,000ft, to plunging forest and high plateaus trails en route passing by ancient Cathar Châteaux (with an option of stopping and climbing to the summits).
For this 3 day tour we suggest that you base yourselves locally in Foix, Lavelanet or Mirepoix, either at local campsites or there are a variety of 1 to 4 star hotels or b&b accommodation to choose from, which we can advise on.
We run these tours from March to November and as for all our France only tours you tell us the dates that you would like to go. You can come along as a single vehicle or bring a group of up to 5 vehicles.
Book early is always our advice.
4 Day Ariege, Aude & Pyrénées-Orientales Tag Along Tour
On this 4 day tour, our longest France only tour, we travel along easily negotiated valley, forest and mountain trails in the Ariège, Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales regions of the Midi and Eastern Pyrénées. The trails we drive are diverse - from mountain routes climbing to over 6,000ft, to high plateaus, river gorges and dense forest trails, passing en route picturesque and historical villages and ancient Cathar Châteaux (with an option of stopping and climbing to the summits).
For this 4 day tour we suggest that initially you base yourselves locally in Foix, Lavelanet or Mirepoix, either at local campsites or there are a variety of 1 to 4 star hotels or b&b accommodation to choose from, which we can advise on. Then when moving on east for the for the final day stay overnight at Quillan in the Aude.
We run these tours from March to November and as for all our France only tours you tell us the dates that you would like to go. You can come along as a single vehicle or bring a group of up to 5 vehicles.
Book early is always our advice.
Numbers of vehicles
We organise tours for groups of up to 5 vehicles (France) or even just 1 vehicle. The only restriction we have on vehicle numbers is on our 12 & 7 Day Pyrenean Explorer Tag Along Tours, where due to Spanish regulations of a maximum 4 vehicle convoy, which we comply with, we do not take more than 3 vehicles plus our own per trip.
A Group Tour is... a tour for up to 3 vehicles (12 & 7 Day Pyrenean Explorer Tours) or 5 vehicles (Pyrenean Explorer France only Tours) plus our own vehicle. If you are a group of vehicles who prefer not to have anyone else join your group this can be arranged by paying for the remaining places.
A Personal Tour is... a tour uniquely for 1 vehicle, plus our own vehicle, this is for our France tours only. We are the only company willing to do such a tour, made possible as we live here in the Pyrénées full time. This is a little more expensive than if you came as part of a group, but worth it if you like the personal touch.
Tag Along Costs & Info
Remember, Landtreks is the company that charges per vehicle, not per person, with no limit on the number of passengers in the vehicle. This works out much less expensive for families and groups. See prices page for details of tour costs.
We include rest days on our "12 & 7 day Pyrenean Explorer" tours, as we have found from previous experience that everybody needs to have time off to relax or maybe explore a little themselves. We plan these days off so that you will be within reach of major towns or the coast or places of interest.
Camping - Because we only charge per vehicle, not per person, you are responsible for your own camping fees which are paid directly to the campsite as the actual requirements and permutations of numbers of people, tent size, electric hook-up etc. etc. is virtually impossible to price for (the average price is around 6 euros per item, an item being a tent, vehicle or person); we do however book them for you in advance.
Other Accommodation - As camping fees are not included in the price of the tour, this gives you the option should you wish of a break from camping to stay in a local hotel/chalet etc for a night or so.
All camping is at official campsites and where possible they are close to where the trails finish, so we have minimal driving at the end of the day.
Full terms and conditions are available when booking, together with general information etc. and we also provide a suggested camping kit list.
We provide a suggested vehicle kit list, but the biggest asset to any 4x4 though is a decent set of All Terrain or better tyres- which for your own and others safety you must have fitted to your vehicle.
Although under body protection is always a good idea and we recommend it, especially for our Pyrenean Explorer Expeditions, many vehicles come along without it. Drive with caution if you are not intending to fit it.
Getting to us is simplicity itself...
The most relaxing way is to drive to Portsmouth or Plymouth and take an inexpensive relaxing mini-cruise to Bilbao or Santander in Northern Spain. With plenty to do on board.... several shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, and even a casino and cinema - just sit back, relax and enjoy yourself.
Or take a cheap Dover to Calais ferry crossing and then it is a straight forward line down the country to us; the journey can be done in a good days drive, multimap www.multimap.com says it takes 11:46 hours... but better still why not break your journey in two and have an overnight stop?
How about a round trip?.... take the mini-cruise here and after your tour with us, have a leisurely drive back up north through the beautiful countryside of rural France.
A Landtreks Tag Along Tour could be part of your Pyrenean trip or the entire trip - it is up to you!
Just bring along a sense of adventure!
Enquiries / Bookings - see Prices & Contact pages for full details
Keep checking our web site ...we update it regularly.
